Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme receives good response

Applicants have responded positively to the sixth edition of the Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC)’s flagship Direct Support Programme (DSP). Zubair SEC had recently called for applications to the sixth round of the DSP programme which has been providing support and guidance to high-potential young entrepreneurs and small-business owners over the last six years. Since the announcing of the new round of the DSP programme in October 2019, Zubair SEC has been receiving a substantial number of applications from interested candidates from across the sultanate.

Zubair SEC’s roadshow held across several governorates to publicise and apprise details of the Direct Support Programme to Omani entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses also received a great response across the country. The roadshow was arranged by Zubair SEC in close collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) branches in Salalah, Sohar, Sur, Ibri, Ibra and Buraimi. Along with the roadshows during the past few months, Zubair SEC has been organising orientation sessions at its premises.

Mohammed al Hasani, chief communications officer of The Zubair Corporation and supervisor of the Zubair SEC, said, “Every year we witness a noticeable increased interest in the DSP programme by aspiring entrepreneurs. This year too the centre has received an unprecedented interest from candidates. During the last six years the DSP programme has offered significant services to the growth of SME sector. The DSP programme has established a very reputable and credible positioning in the SMEs sector. We are looking forward to the shortlisted applicants as they would all be adding value to the SME ecosystem.”

One of the most important programmes in the field of entrepreneurship support in the sultanate, Zubair SEC’s DSP programme has proved to be a very successful story.

Since its commencement in 2013, Zubair SEC’s DSP programme has signed up 51 members. Ten winning applicants will be announced during the first quarter of 2020 after the applicants go through a multiple-stage evaluation.

Experts from Zubair SEC work closely to promote and develop the DSP programme members with diverse services including intensive advisory, business development opportunities, and a financial grant.

To scale up the impact of the Direct Support Programme, Zubair SEC has signed agreements with strategic partners who have shown trust in the programme and contributed to its success by adopting seats. This year Oman Arab Bank has adopted one of the ten seats of the programme for 2020 along with Ominvest and ARA Petroleum. It is also important to remember that it is for the third year in a row, Ominvest, one of the largest investment companies in the Middle East, has renewed its support to Zubair SEC flagship DSP programme by adopting two seats in the 2020 round.

The deadline for small businesses to apply to the Direct Support Programme in its sixth round is December 31, which can be done through www.zubairsec.org or by contacting or visiting Zubair SEC.